Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting flavors of a Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping to make you feel cozy inside. This dessert is a brilliant celebration of fall’s best fruits, where tart cranberries and sweet apples mingle beneath a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. Every bite offers a perfect balance of fruitiness and spice, making this crumble a standout favorite that’s fast to prepare but full of unforgettable taste. Trust me, once you try this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping, it’s going to be your new go-to dessert for any gathering or quiet night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together so effortlessly yet deliver layers of flavor, texture, and color to this delightful crumble. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s the juicy tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, or the crunchy pecan topping that completes this treat.
- Fresh cranberries: Their natural tartness adds a bright, tangy punch to the filling.
- Diced apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties): Provides sweetness and a tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the cranberries.
- Sugar: Sweetens the fruit mixture just enough to balance the tartness without overwhelming it.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth, bringing out the cozy flavors we all love in fall desserts.
- Nutmeg: A pinch adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Rolled oats: Adds texture and helps form that irresistible crumble topping.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the topping, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness and enhances the topping’s crunch.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creates that rich, buttery crumb everyone loves.
- Salt: Just a touch to heighten all the flavors and balance sweetness.
- Chopped pecans: (Added to the crumble topping) for a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, toss together the fresh cranberries, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This coating ensures every fruit piece is bursting with warm spice and sweetness. Once combined, transfer the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. The vibrant red cranberries and chunks of apple create a beautiful base that promises a delicious, juicy filling.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened unsalted butter along with the chopped pecans. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crunchy, nutty topping is the pièce de résistance that adds texture and flavor to the luscious fruit beneath.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Evenly spread the pecan crumble topping over the fruit filling, making sure to cover every corner. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit bubbles up invitingly. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasty pecans filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, serve the crumble warm, topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool richness contrasts wonderfully with the warm, spiced fruit. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans over the top, enhancing both texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping shines best as a dessert, but if you’re looking to build a full meal around it, consider pairing it with comforting sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. For lighter occasions, a crisp green salad with walnuts or pecans balances the sweetness beautifully and keeps the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Fancy a twist? Serve this crumble in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. You can also top with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving to make it extra special. No matter how you present it, the Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping is sure to wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have some leftovers? Store your Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping it chilled helps preserve its fresh flavors and flaky topping, so you can enjoy this delightful dessert even days after baking.
Freezing
This crumble freezes beautifully. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or place portions in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead for special occasions or busy weeknights.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, reheat your crumble in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and bubbling. Avoid the microwave for reheating to keep the crumble topping crisp and wonderfully textured.
FAQs
Can I substitute cranberries with another fruit in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cranberries provide a fabulous tartness, you can swap them with tart cherries, pomegranate seeds, or even raspberries for a different but equally delicious twist. Each alternative offers its own unique burst of flavor that complements the apple perfectly.
How long does the crumble last in the refrigerator?
Your crumble will stay fresh and tasty for about three to five days when stored properly in an airtight container. This makes it an excellent dessert to enjoy over several days or serve throughout the week.
Is this recipe gluten-free or vegan-friendly?
While the classic version uses all-purpose flour and butter, you can easily adapt it for gluten-free and vegan diets by swapping flour for gluten-free flour blends and butter for plant-based alternatives. The result is just as delicious while meeting your dietary needs!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the crumble ahead of time is a big time saver! You can assemble the fruit and topping separately, store them refrigerated, then combine and bake when ready. This not only improves efficiency but often deepens the flavors as they meld together.
What spices work best for enhancing the apple flavor?
Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices that warm up the apple flavor beautifully, but you can experiment with allspice or a pinch of cloves for a richer, more complex spice profile that makes each bite even more inviting.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping enough—it’s truly the kind of dessert that wraps you in warmth and comfort from the very first bite. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple family dinner, this crumble brings both joy and delicious memories to your table. So, gather your ingredients, get your oven ready, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comforting, flavorful delight. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm and comforting Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble with a crunchy pecan and oat topping that perfectly balances tart cranberries with sweet, juicy apples, enhanced by cinnamon and nutmeg. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners and is best served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 4 cups diced apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for even baking while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 4 cups of diced apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties), 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Toss thoroughly until the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the fruit mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a fork to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans to add crunch and flavor.
- Assemble the Crumble: Evenly spread the crumble topping over the fruit mixture, covering it completely.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly for 10 minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
- You can vary the spices by adding a pinch of allspice or cloves for additional warmth.
- Add extra nuts like walnuts or almonds to the crumble topping for added texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For a vegan option, use a plant-based butter substitute and a sugar that is vegan certified.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: cranberry apple crumble, spiced crumble, pecan topping dessert, fall dessert, holiday dessert, easy apple crumble, baked fruit dessert
